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  • I've been tracing dirty money for more than 30 years.

  • Studying kleptocrats all over the world, distinct patterns emerge.

  • [kleptocracy (n.) when those in power steal government funds for personal use.]

  • The thing about kleptocrats is that the moves and tricks they like to use each contain the seeds of their own destruction.

  • They can get caught at every stage.

  • And those patterns are the basis of our new game, Kleptocrat: How to Hide Dirty Money.

  • In virtually every case, corrupt people took six separate steps to conceal their assets.

  • Take the money under the table.

  • Create a financial structure to hide it.

  • Move the money into the structure.

  • Network with family members to run the operation.

  • Cover up their tracks.

  • And last, since it's no fun for the money to sit gathering dust, take the money out and enjoy it.

  • I know nothing about Paul Manafort or the allegations in the indictment against him.

  • I read the Manafort indictment, and lo and behold, the allegations match the six-step pattern.

  • It says Manafort allegedly took 18 million USD secretly from Ukraine.

  • That's step one.

  • Step two: Manafort allegedly created a blizzard of offshore companies, with names like Bletilla.

  • They're on tiny islands I bet most people couldn't even find on map.

  • Then step three: He allegedly started moving the money around.

  • Six separate companies on the island of Cyprus sent more than 5 million dollars to a home-improvement firm in the Hamptons.

  • Step four: Manafort allegedly enlisted some of his relatives to help.

  • The indictment says he got his daughter and son-in-law to pretend to live in the real estate he was buying.

  • Step five is covering up your secret money.

  • Manafort allegedly lied to his accountants, and to the federal agents, about the funds.

  • He used multiple passports and he quotedeveloped a false and misleading cover storyunquote.

  • Lastly, Manafort allegedly brought the money out to play.

  • The indictment says heused his hidden overseas wealth to enjoy a lavish lifestyle in the United States.”

  • I guess sometimes a game can help you understand the news.

  • [Manafort has pleaded not guilty to all charges.]

I've been tracing dirty money for more than 30 years.

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